I would like the device to have an lcd screen that displays 2 different fuel tank contents, shows the status of various sensors (most of them are on/off states), so could display icons for these. Additionally if it could display voltage and various sensors (like amperage or things) that would great as well.

Hi,Theoretical it is doable ... technically i didn't see that some one do it before. Arduino MEGA 128/256 with 3.2" LCD will do a job, however you will need to create some other electronic circuits to get input from your sensors, and create case which will guard Arduino and LCD from vibration.

The wonderful thing about lights and dials is that you do not consciously need to "read" them. In properly designed instrument panels, dial pointers are arranged to all point in the same general direction when things are "normal". Then, if something untoward occurs, the needle that moves becomes readily apparent. Similarly for lights. If you arrange for all lights to be off in normal circumstances, it is obvious when one comes on. By this means the brain focusses on what is really essential - keeping your eyes on the road.

When you "digitise" analogue instruments your brain needs to do a little more than necessary and there is increased risk for not only the rider but also anyone else in the vicinity.

However, given good use of colours, I'm sure someone wil come up with a design that is both legible and suitable for immediate alerting without having to be read ever "second" or so.

Hi, This is basically doable.. it's much like what the guys with 4 wheels are doing... Google about car instruments..

If you can build the kind of stuff shown in the photo, you definitely can learn to use this new kind of tools and capabilities!

Some good Arduino Learning material on http://arduinoinfo.info

Arduino Power section there would be good for you also, I think.

Maybe think about what functions you can ADD to the existing gauges etc... One main thing is being able to log data and later download it to graph, etc.. Maybe put up info here/somewhere about all the sensors and actuators you have now?

Did you know there is an actual patent for something called similar to a Flux Capacitor?

This is what comes of removing the "working model" requirement for patent applications...

Edit: Oh right, on topic... Hmm, with an Arduino you could not only create an instrument panel, but it might be possible to setup some profiles for automatic switching between fuel types based on the tank levels.

Sorry for the late replies! I didnt realise the post has so many responses.

The am would be to use something like this lcd:

http://arduino-info.wikispaces.com/LCD-Blue-I2C

What would be good, is if I could, have the display showing Fuel tank levels on the left hand side, with 3 or 4 buttons to change the tanks, and to silence an alarm possible. For those important alerts (oil pressure, oil level) I would have an actuated buzzer for 2-3 seconds for each alert.

ACtually, im thinking this would probably be a better starting point, as If I am clever with the way the screen displays data, I wont need 4 lines (ie, selected tank gauge showing, rather than both gauges at once etc)

The wonderful thing about lights and dials is that you do not consciously need to "read" them.

Absolutely. You can glance at an entire wall of "oldfashioned" meters and tell at a glance if there is a problem. With digital displays you have to look at the numbers and figure out what they mean. It is the same with watches are you analogue or a digital person?